ComfortGel Blue Design Improvements - A Comparison of the ComfortGel and the ComfortGel Blue CPAP Masks

The ComfortGel Blue is the latest CPAP mask from Philips Respironics, released at MedTrade in Las Vegas on May 11, 2010. The new ComfortGel Blue is now the top-of-the-line gel nasal mask in the Philips Respironics lineup. Unfortunately, a marketing blunder by Philips Respironics is preventing, and will continue to prevent, CPAP users from recognizing that the ComfortGel Blue is distinct from the original ComfortGel. After all, the original ComfortGel is also blue, so the extra adjective added to the new mask name doesn't differentiate the new mask from the old one at all. Many of our customers have been confused by this, but we're trying to clear everything up in this article, where we'll explore the design improvements featured on the new ComfortGel Blue.

If you're a long-time ComfortGel CPAP mask user then you might be familiar with the socket design defect which caused the headgear sockets on the original ComfortGel to break prematurely. Philips Respironics addressed this issue on the original ComfortGel, and the new and improved socket design that was introduced on the orginal ComfortGel is also featured on the new ComfortGel Blue. This is good news for CPAP users everywhere, but it's still important to know that removing the mask like it's a baseball catcher's mask can still exert a lot of force on the headgear sockets and can still break the mask. Since Philips Respironics introduced the new, reinforced headgear sockets on the original ComfortGel several months ago we've only heard of a few of them breaking. And in each case, the CPAP user has indicated s/he removes the mask by stretching the headgear instead of releasing one of the quick-release headgear clips from one of the sockets. With that said, it's worth reiterating that there's no difference in the socket design on the original ComfortGel (which was updated with the new socket design several months ago) and the new ComfortGel Blue.

One of the primary design enhancements on the new ComfortGel Blue is a redesigned exhalation port. The new exhalation port directs airflow up and away from the CPAP user and the bed partner, It's also designed to reduce noise from airflow. The presence of the new exhalation port is the easiest way to identify a ComfortGel Blue, because there's no mistaking the light gray port on the bend of the ComfortGel Blue elbow.

New ComfortGel Blue

Orginal ComfortGel

Another change to mask is in the forehead support pad. The new pad has been redesigned to reduce pressure points. It's softer and generally more comfortable than the forehead pad found on the original ComfortGel. It's very similar to the pad design that was first introduced on the ComfortFusion.

New ComfortGel Blue Forehead Pad

Orginal ComfortGel Forehead Pad

An enhancement that will likely go unnoticed by most CPAP users is a new design that prevents the forehead support from being removed from the mask frame. Apparently the manufacturer felt that too many forehead supports were being disconnected from the mask frame during shipping, and so they made it impossible to remove the forehead support - without breaking it, that is.

The blue gel cushion has been improved quite a bit and looks much more refined - very similar to the gel cushion on the ComfortGel Full Face Mask. Specifically, the new gel cushion doesn't have any open gel injection holes, so gel material isn't exposed. We've noticed the new gel cushion doesn't smell as much as the old gel cushion, and I suspect that it's because the gel material is actually completely sealed inside the polyethylene casing. The new gel cushion is also a bit thinner, so there appears to be less gel overall.

Another very minor difference between the original ComfortGel and the new ComfortGel Blue is the addition of the "System One Resistance Control" number on the silicone cushion. This number can be used with compatible Philips Respironics systems to allow the CPAP machine to compensate for variable resistance characteristics related to different CPAP masks. Other than the System One Resistance Control labeling, the silicone cushion is essentially unchanged.

Also unchanged is the headgear strap. Both the original ComfortGel and the new ComfortGel Blue feature Philips Respironics Premium Headgear with EZ-Peel Tabs.

We've been told by the manufacturer that the ComfortGel Blue isn't a replacement for the ComfortGel - that's it's simply a new product that will be offered alongside the original ComfortGel for the time being. Personally, I find this hard to believe. It's like Chevy continuing to manufacture the 2010 Suburban after they've released the 2011 Suburban. (Maybe our sales rep just didn't want us to send back a couple thousand original ComfortGels for replacement with the new ones!) We have seen something similar to this before, though, with the Profile Lite (when the original ComfortGel was released). Only time will tell.

The bottom line question is whether the new ComfortGel Blue is worth approximately $20 more than the original ComfortGel. We think it is, because it's a great new mask and it's still value-priced. Call or email (click the "Get Sales Price" link) to get our actual retail sales price on the mask, and don't pay attention to MSRP pricing. Check it out and let us know what you think.

Andrew Senske
President
www.cpap-supply.com

CPAP-Supply.com is a leading online retailer of CPAP equipment. Located in Spokane, WA CPAP-Supply.com has been serving thousands of customers around the world since 2001. Founded on a belief that patients are their own best primary care providers, CPAP-Supply.com understands the importance of educating patients and customers on both the effects of and treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. For more information visit CPAP-Supply.com or call toll free 1-888-955-2727.